Hailey's pov
The morning began with a deceptive calm, the kind that lulled you into thinking the day might pass without incident. But in my world, nothing was ever ordinary.
I walked through the school parking lot with Roy's oversized hoodie zipped up against the early chill, the fabric still carrying his scent from the night before—a quiet reminder of the safety I felt in his arms. He probably thinks I will give it back.
My earbuds played a soft playlist, the music low enough that I could hear the distant hum of conversations and car doors slamming. I kept my head down, replaying the tenderness of last night in my mind—the way Roy and Ryan had held me, their touches gentle and reassuring after the intensity of the gala. For a moment, everything felt almost normal.
That sense of peace
